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Hearts for Hire #4
Curious Relations
Two roommates. One gay, one straight. Will their flirtatious game lead to love or loathing?
Hudson Brantley
Murphy loves taunting me, but two can play at that game. When he takes things too far one night, I decide to turn the tables on him. But what if my little joke ends up being not so funny?
What if it ends in true love?
Murphy Maguire
I only meant to tease him, but Hudson has no problem calling my bluff. What starts as a dare quickly turns into an enemies-with-benefits arrangement. Until I start wanting more…
Can I convince Hudson to give us a chance at a real relationship?
Curious Relations is an age gap, enemies with benefits, bi-awakening gay romance with a happily ever after, a rowdy bachelor party, and male escorts. This is the fourth book in the Hearts For Hire series.
Hudson Brantley
Murphy loves taunting me, but two can play at that game. When he takes things too far one night, I decide to turn the tables on him. But what if my little joke ends up being not so funny?
What if it ends in true love?
Murphy Maguire
I only meant to tease him, but Hudson has no problem calling my bluff. What starts as a dare quickly turns into an enemies-with-benefits arrangement. Until I start wanting more…
Can I convince Hudson to give us a chance at a real relationship?
Curious Relations is an age gap, enemies with benefits, bi-awakening gay romance with a happily ever after, a rowdy bachelor party, and male escorts. This is the fourth book in the Hearts For Hire series.
Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 26, 2023
River and Pita
"We were a hot mess, but we were perfectly matched."
Curious Relations is an age gap, frenemies to lovers, bi-awakening (one of my personal fave tropes) romance between Hudson and Murphy (Lucky and Hayes brothers from book one). These two have been building sexual tension the entire series and I loved seeing it finally come to a head. Due to unexpected circumstances, Hudson moves in with Murphy and that's when things take a turn for the sexy and a happily ever after! These two were fun, flirty and hot! They're constant banter had me cracking up and by the end, I was swooning. I loved how the series started with Lucky and ended in his perspective, we came around full circle and left me feeling heart happy! Really enjoyed and recommend!
"We were a hot mess, but we were perfectly matched."
Curious Relations is an age gap, frenemies to lovers, bi-awakening (one of my personal fave tropes) romance between Hudson and Murphy (Lucky and Hayes brothers from book one). These two have been building sexual tension the entire series and I loved seeing it finally come to a head. Due to unexpected circumstances, Hudson moves in with Murphy and that's when things take a turn for the sexy and a happily ever after! These two were fun, flirty and hot! They're constant banter had me cracking up and by the end, I was swooning. I loved how the series started with Lucky and ended in his perspective, we came around full circle and left me feeling heart happy! Really enjoyed and recommend!
October 31, 2022
This book was so much fun! Murphy and Hudson as enemies to lovers, future brothers-in-law. Murphy is a flirty, cocky, escort who hates spending time alone. Hudson is older and feeling a bit lost, not finding what he's been looking for in the women he's been hooking up with. Murphy is the bane of Hudson's existence and knows how to push every last button he has.
The two of them wind up getting kicked out of places a lot for causing a scene. But there's this undertone between them, that's as intriguing and fiery as it is frustrating. Murphy pushing him past his comfort zones, until he can't handle it anymore.
These two are explosive in so many ways. Almost cringe-worthy before they give into what they really want, and then that explosiveness turns incendiary. Murphy and Hudson have so much intense passion, I had to check around me to make sure no one noticed what I was reading LOL
But even with all that intensity, these two were unbelievably sweet too, in their own way. And seeing all the other couples from the series in this just brought all the gooey, sappy feels that I love. The ending was all warm fuzzies and rainbows, with a little peek into the next and final book in this series. I'm excited to go back and read the rest of the Hearts for Hire series to get to know all the other characters.
The two of them wind up getting kicked out of places a lot for causing a scene. But there's this undertone between them, that's as intriguing and fiery as it is frustrating. Murphy pushing him past his comfort zones, until he can't handle it anymore.
These two are explosive in so many ways. Almost cringe-worthy before they give into what they really want, and then that explosiveness turns incendiary. Murphy and Hudson have so much intense passion, I had to check around me to make sure no one noticed what I was reading LOL
But even with all that intensity, these two were unbelievably sweet too, in their own way. And seeing all the other couples from the series in this just brought all the gooey, sappy feels that I love. The ending was all warm fuzzies and rainbows, with a little peek into the next and final book in this series. I'm excited to go back and read the rest of the Hearts for Hire series to get to know all the other characters.
October 8, 2022
"I couldn't explain what it was between us that made me hate him and crave him in the same breath, but it was crystal clear."
This is one of those series that leaves a smile on your face as you read each book. They're basically all about the low angst, HEA, romantic, steamy goodness ❣️.
Curious Relations by Raquel Riley is (finally!) Murphy and Hudson's story. These guys have been dancing around each other for several books, and have a real love/hate relationship.
Murphy is a Lucky Match escort, working for the company his brother started, loving life and happy in his 20 year old, party boy, gay skin. Hudson is 10 years older, straight and is feeling that pull to conform, settle down with a nice girl, do the right thing. And yet he keeps getting pulled away from dates by Murphy needing his help.
And when Hudson's living arrangements fall apart, and he has to move in with Murphy for a while, nothing is gonna change their fragile truce, right......? Because Hudson's totally immune to Murphy's charms and all....
Loved it 😊.
4 steamy gfy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is one of those series that leaves a smile on your face as you read each book. They're basically all about the low angst, HEA, romantic, steamy goodness ❣️.
Curious Relations by Raquel Riley is (finally!) Murphy and Hudson's story. These guys have been dancing around each other for several books, and have a real love/hate relationship.
Murphy is a Lucky Match escort, working for the company his brother started, loving life and happy in his 20 year old, party boy, gay skin. Hudson is 10 years older, straight and is feeling that pull to conform, settle down with a nice girl, do the right thing. And yet he keeps getting pulled away from dates by Murphy needing his help.
And when Hudson's living arrangements fall apart, and he has to move in with Murphy for a while, nothing is gonna change their fragile truce, right......? Because Hudson's totally immune to Murphy's charms and all....
Loved it 😊.
4 steamy gfy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 11, 2022
Another great book in this series. I was looking forward to reading Murphy and Hudson's story and it didn't disappoint. I loved their push and pull between the and their chemistry was clear too. But actually what I enjoyed the most was both their personal development and also as a couple. Their relationship is very cute and there was some funny bits too, like when they get thrown out of an restaurant. As always, i enjoyed hearing about the other couples too.
October 8, 2022
These MCs were phenomenal, very love to hate you, hate to love you which made for a somewhat fiery in places, amusing in others dialogue between the two. BUT when all is calm, absolute full of the good feels, smile inducing stuff. The interplay between the two made for a wonderful story. It was also fabulous to see the gang again.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
October 9, 2022
Whst an ending to this series.... I love that Murphy finally got the man of his dreams and Hudson stopped fearing everyone elses reactions.
Even better was having the rest of their found family joining them for Luvky and Hayes Batchelor and wedding.
Even better was having the rest of their found family joining them for Luvky and Hayes Batchelor and wedding.
November 17, 2023
That's what friends are for......
The Luck of the Irish has a way of finding the pot of gold hidden at the end of the rainbow. But it also makes Irish Whiskey cure the problems of the heart and of fortune.
When Irish eyes are smiling, kissing and loving cannot be far behind. The green of nature requires the bright sunshine and the rain before the rainbow to shave the love of a green island and its people wherever in the world that they gather to party or for wedding and bedding. The love is able to conquer the hearts of men and sometimes women.
When all the opposites get done attracting the opposition into frenemies and wannabees to build the strong found families that make the world go round, the rest of the world population will struggle with dreams of love and knowledge of loss.
The Luck of the Irish has a way of finding the pot of gold hidden at the end of the rainbow. But it also makes Irish Whiskey cure the problems of the heart and of fortune.
When Irish eyes are smiling, kissing and loving cannot be far behind. The green of nature requires the bright sunshine and the rain before the rainbow to shave the love of a green island and its people wherever in the world that they gather to party or for wedding and bedding. The love is able to conquer the hearts of men and sometimes women.
When all the opposites get done attracting the opposition into frenemies and wannabees to build the strong found families that make the world go round, the rest of the world population will struggle with dreams of love and knowledge of loss.
October 13, 2022
4.5 Stars
The 3 books leading up to this story were full of some angst, discoveries, falling in love and lots of steam. While this book contains all those things, it also contains levels of snark that brings the true meaning of enemies-with-benefits home.
After watching Hudson and Murphy go at one another – and not in the way Murphy goes at his clients – we finally get to have them go at one another in more ways than just verbally! Murphy is a sweetheart but gets great joy from taunting Hudson. With their brothers getting married, they’re about to be family… kinda. When Murphy’s teasing goes too far one night, his bluff is called by Hudson who sets out to teach Murphy a lesson. He finds the tables quickly reversed and he’s the one on the learning end of this lesson.
Hudson’s Bi-Awakening quickly turns into an enemies-with-benefits that then begins to transform into something more tangible and Murphy starts wanting more. The future Hudson had always envisioned never included a man, especially if that man was Murphy, but he begins to reimagine his future with a certain red-headed roommate. Can they build something real? What becomes of the Hearts for Hire guys when nearly all the escorts are now in happy, monogamous relationships?
Raquel Riley brings another incredible story that is full of a bit of everything that makes her books so fun to read. This story also has the bonus of 2 weddings – one on page and one mentioned, but equally as celebrated. Knowing that this series is winding down is sad, but each couple we’ve been given makes it worth saying goodbye one day soon.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Curious Relations
Raquel Riley
The 3 books leading up to this story were full of some angst, discoveries, falling in love and lots of steam. While this book contains all those things, it also contains levels of snark that brings the true meaning of enemies-with-benefits home.
After watching Hudson and Murphy go at one another – and not in the way Murphy goes at his clients – we finally get to have them go at one another in more ways than just verbally! Murphy is a sweetheart but gets great joy from taunting Hudson. With their brothers getting married, they’re about to be family… kinda. When Murphy’s teasing goes too far one night, his bluff is called by Hudson who sets out to teach Murphy a lesson. He finds the tables quickly reversed and he’s the one on the learning end of this lesson.
Hudson’s Bi-Awakening quickly turns into an enemies-with-benefits that then begins to transform into something more tangible and Murphy starts wanting more. The future Hudson had always envisioned never included a man, especially if that man was Murphy, but he begins to reimagine his future with a certain red-headed roommate. Can they build something real? What becomes of the Hearts for Hire guys when nearly all the escorts are now in happy, monogamous relationships?
Raquel Riley brings another incredible story that is full of a bit of everything that makes her books so fun to read. This story also has the bonus of 2 weddings – one on page and one mentioned, but equally as celebrated. Knowing that this series is winding down is sad, but each couple we’ve been given makes it worth saying goodbye one day soon.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Curious Relations
Raquel Riley
October 13, 2022
I never thought Raquel would be able to top Reid and Riley’s book, but she has successfully proved me wrong with Hudson and Murphy’s story! The emotions felt with this one phenomenally transpired through the pages, the struggles within themselves were real and the sexual tension was fiercely intense. And, we finally witnessed Lucky and Hayes’ wedding!!
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿.”
“𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻. 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻?”
Hudson and Murphy have a love/hate relationship, having been at each other’s throats since the beginning. Their banter was hilariously entertaining, and flirtatiously steamy. Their connection was obvious right away, but their chemistry was on fire!! Their playfulness with each other, along with their ease of their connection, is what relationships were made from.
𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵.
We have all learned to love Murphy’s immaturity over these last few books, along with Hudson. He grows on everyone, but keeps us all on our toes. I absolutely loved Hudson’s patience with him, and his protectiveness over Murph was adorable. There couldn’t have been a better couple than these two! Great job, Raquel!!
“𝕐𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕄𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕙𝕪-𝕤𝕖𝕩𝕦𝕒𝕝 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕀’𝕞 𝕚𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖.”
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿.”
“𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻. 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻?”
Hudson and Murphy have a love/hate relationship, having been at each other’s throats since the beginning. Their banter was hilariously entertaining, and flirtatiously steamy. Their connection was obvious right away, but their chemistry was on fire!! Their playfulness with each other, along with their ease of their connection, is what relationships were made from.
𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵.
We have all learned to love Murphy’s immaturity over these last few books, along with Hudson. He grows on everyone, but keeps us all on our toes. I absolutely loved Hudson’s patience with him, and his protectiveness over Murph was adorable. There couldn’t have been a better couple than these two! Great job, Raquel!!
“𝕐𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕄𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕙𝕪-𝕤𝕖𝕩𝕦𝕒𝕝 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕀’𝕞 𝕚𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖.”
October 11, 2022
We have been low-key excited to see Murphy and Hudson come together for the last few books, and now we have the. The chemistry that they hold is something different altogether. They love to hate each other and find different ways to get under each other's skin. Murphy is more than the himbo that he is perceived to be. It is fascinating to see his aversion to dishes and why he can't stand to be alone as Hudson learns more about the man that is Murphy; it's great to see him grow and go with the feelings he can't explain. I am sad to see this series end. But we know there will be more from this world, and it will be fun to see what our favorite guys get up to in the future.
October 12, 2022
This was the one I most wanted. I love Murphy and wanted him to get his HEA. I have to admit there were a few times I wanted to shake or at least Gibb smack Hudson. But he finally got it together. I was so eager for this that I jumped on it when GRR offered it up for review. Now I’m looking forward to getting to know Adam.
October 13, 2022
Curious Relations is the fourth book in the Hearts for Hire series. I’ve been anxiously waiting for Murphy’s story! They have a love/hate relationship, starting as enemies to frenemies to lovers. I seriously loved their connection and chemistry. Murphy and Hudson were fire! Their banter was sooo freakin good. Overall, another fantastic story in the series!
October 10, 2022
What a great book! It's the 4th book in the Hearts for Hire series, and it's definitely my favorite. I love Murphy & his shenanigans, and Hudson is so perfect for him. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series, since the books are that great and you get to know all the characters better. I'm excited for book 5, although it'll be sad to say goodbye to this group of guys.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
October 6, 2022
The fire between Hudson and Murphy is sizzling. Their relationship is so fun to watch as it slowly burns until it erupts in a brilliant blaze. These two are terrific, their banter is brilliant until it finally gets the best of them. Hudson’s reality, when he finally acknowledges it, brings this story together because Murphy already knows what he wants. Another strong, enjoyable story from this author, another great HeA and another very well done and entertaining journey. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
October 11, 2022
Raquel Riley is a Brilliant Author, Curious Relations was a Exceptionally written book. The firey way the the two MC go at each other with I love you no I hate you game was enticing. It had me wanting more of Hudson and Murphy. These two were perfect for each other.
October 12, 2022
This is the fourth book in the 'Hearts for Hire' series, and this one is tying with another of this series as my . favorite. As always it has wonderful characters and a great storyline.
October 13, 2022
When you have a series you are a reading it’s always the best when each character gets the spotlight but still keeps the bond of all the characters involved!
Murphy and Hudson have a unique relationship that most would see as possibly unhealthy but in reality just shows you that love and hate are different sides of the same coin!
Each relationship we have is different from another and how we react to each person or with each person special. Murphy and Hudson have one of my favorite bonds as they are playful and even jerky but it makes them realize how “special” they are to each other.
I loved how it all worked out and gotta say the ending was super special!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Murphy and Hudson have a unique relationship that most would see as possibly unhealthy but in reality just shows you that love and hate are different sides of the same coin!
Each relationship we have is different from another and how we react to each person or with each person special. Murphy and Hudson have one of my favorite bonds as they are playful and even jerky but it makes them realize how “special” they are to each other.
I loved how it all worked out and gotta say the ending was super special!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 5, 2022
Murphy and Hudson. What can I say. Murphy is a hot mess, plain and simple. As Lucky's younger brother he is flighty and reckless. Always getting into trouble and Hudson is always there to bail him out. Hudson is supposedly straight and totally annoyed by Murphy but as the story unfolds Hudson finds himself attracted to the hot mess. Will Murphy grow up and grasp his chance at a relationship? Once again this author has created two very likeable characters who will melt your heart!
October 13, 2022
Curious Relations is the fourth book in the Hearts for Hire series by Raquel Riley. This book is about Hudson and Murphy. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
March 9, 2025
Murphy and Hudson ❤️🔥❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Finally!!!!
These two have been dancing around their incredible chemistry this whole series!!! This was delicious, it proved that there is such a fine line between love and hate...the banter was great, sexy times so sexy 🔥, and the feels....Omg!! All of the feels!!! I most definitely recommend this one, for series fans it's a must!! This is hands down the best book in this series so far!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Finally!!!!
These two have been dancing around their incredible chemistry this whole series!!! This was delicious, it proved that there is such a fine line between love and hate...the banter was great, sexy times so sexy 🔥, and the feels....Omg!! All of the feels!!! I most definitely recommend this one, for series fans it's a must!! This is hands down the best book in this series so far!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 14, 2022
Curious Relations offered a fun little dichotomy between Murphy and Hudson. The love to hate/hate to love enemies to lovers trope, when done right, is amazing. And it was done right on this one. The fact that the vitriol never felt completely real between them - even when Hudson was completely annoyed with all things Murphy at the beginning of the book. It felt like something that could be overcome.
And I genuinely enjoyed both of these characters. Murphy was pure sunshine, but there was more to him than just being a sunshine character. His insecurities and his hatred of being alone shined through everything that he did. And Hudson's frustration with the dating scene and his life in general showed through really well too. Both of these characters, and all of the side characters that I'm assuming are mains in other books, were really well developed and interesting. They were all fun.
I also LOVED the insane pet names that Hudson and Murphy constantly came up with for one another. They had me rolling, because I never really knew what they were going to call one another next. It was a fun bit and gave them a lot of levity at every part of their relationship.
However, I can't give it five stars despite my immense enjoyment on the book. There were a few things that I didn't love. The fact that Murphy pursued Hudson to the point where it made Hudson genuinely uncomfortable at first - that's a trope that has always made me a bit itchy. I also didn't like the way Hudson reacted when Murphy would come back from his escorting clients. Jealousy, I understand. But some of that felt very slut shame-y and it wasn't really addressed. Finally, they had a conversation at Murphy's birthday (no spoilers as to what it was), and then the narration seemed to act like it never happened. Both characters acted like it never happened.
But these were all in all mild things in relation to my enjoyment of the book itself. Despite those small details, I would exuberantly recommend this book. It was fun. It was funny. The characters were great.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from GRR and this is my voluntary and fair review. **
And I genuinely enjoyed both of these characters. Murphy was pure sunshine, but there was more to him than just being a sunshine character. His insecurities and his hatred of being alone shined through everything that he did. And Hudson's frustration with the dating scene and his life in general showed through really well too. Both of these characters, and all of the side characters that I'm assuming are mains in other books, were really well developed and interesting. They were all fun.
I also LOVED the insane pet names that Hudson and Murphy constantly came up with for one another. They had me rolling, because I never really knew what they were going to call one another next. It was a fun bit and gave them a lot of levity at every part of their relationship.
However, I can't give it five stars despite my immense enjoyment on the book. There were a few things that I didn't love. The fact that Murphy pursued Hudson to the point where it made Hudson genuinely uncomfortable at first - that's a trope that has always made me a bit itchy. I also didn't like the way Hudson reacted when Murphy would come back from his escorting clients. Jealousy, I understand. But some of that felt very slut shame-y and it wasn't really addressed. Finally, they had a conversation at Murphy's birthday (no spoilers as to what it was), and then the narration seemed to act like it never happened. Both characters acted like it never happened.
But these were all in all mild things in relation to my enjoyment of the book itself. Despite those small details, I would exuberantly recommend this book. It was fun. It was funny. The characters were great.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from GRR and this is my voluntary and fair review. **
October 13, 2022
This is the second to last book in the Lucky Match series. This is Hudson's and Murphy's story, I've been really looking forward to this explosive duo. Their chemistry has been building with each other throughout the course of the past few books. These two were definitely as explosive as I thought they would be, Murphy pushes Hudson out of his comfort zone on a daily basis and Hudson can only take so much of his pushing.
He finally snaps. Hudson never believed he would ever even like Murphy let alone fall for him. They started out as enemies, then frenemies with benefits, then finally they arrived at boyfriends. I liked the detail that was give with Murphy and his job, not all of his clients wanted s3x, some just wanted companionship which I liked that the author added that.
I love, love, loved seeing all of the past characters up to their shenanigans again, it was nice revisiting them. Raquel knows how to write a good story with great characters, knows how to flesh out a plot, and also knows how to write a really detailed background.
The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star is I couldn't get behind the way these two treated each other. I understand that's their dynamic, but I just didn't like it that much. Hudson was downright cruel to Murphy at times and just shrugged it off. Don't get me wrong I understand Murphy isn't exactly innocent either but still, he didn't deserve that.
Overall I enjoyed this story and do recommend this, I do recommend reading the previous books in this series for maximum enjoyment.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
He finally snaps. Hudson never believed he would ever even like Murphy let alone fall for him. They started out as enemies, then frenemies with benefits, then finally they arrived at boyfriends. I liked the detail that was give with Murphy and his job, not all of his clients wanted s3x, some just wanted companionship which I liked that the author added that.
I love, love, loved seeing all of the past characters up to their shenanigans again, it was nice revisiting them. Raquel knows how to write a good story with great characters, knows how to flesh out a plot, and also knows how to write a really detailed background.
The only reason I didn't give this a 5 star is I couldn't get behind the way these two treated each other. I understand that's their dynamic, but I just didn't like it that much. Hudson was downright cruel to Murphy at times and just shrugged it off. Don't get me wrong I understand Murphy isn't exactly innocent either but still, he didn't deserve that.
Overall I enjoyed this story and do recommend this, I do recommend reading the previous books in this series for maximum enjoyment.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
October 14, 2022
“My mama used to say that love is a friendship that has caught fire.”
Murphy and Hudson find that fire, as frenemies, in Raquel Riley’s Curious Relations. As the fourth book in the Hearts for Hire series, both main characters have played supporting roles. But no longer.
Our focus turns to the tumultuous and snarky unfriendship these two have, clashing and trying to verbally one up the other, while their brothers plan their own wedding celebration. The pet names and raunchy comments will provide readers with laugh-out-loud moments of merriment, but it is easy to see that not too far under the surface, there is a growing attraction between ‘Pita’ and ‘Rivers’ that is mesmerizing.
There was a sense of need, and even abandoned social norms, watching these characters orbit each other, moving closer and closer to a place that neither could have actually expected. We as readers were able to experience being a part of the romance and joy of two hearts beating together, and laughing along with this delicious and diametrically opposed couple. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Murphy and Hudson find that fire, as frenemies, in Raquel Riley’s Curious Relations. As the fourth book in the Hearts for Hire series, both main characters have played supporting roles. But no longer.
Our focus turns to the tumultuous and snarky unfriendship these two have, clashing and trying to verbally one up the other, while their brothers plan their own wedding celebration. The pet names and raunchy comments will provide readers with laugh-out-loud moments of merriment, but it is easy to see that not too far under the surface, there is a growing attraction between ‘Pita’ and ‘Rivers’ that is mesmerizing.
There was a sense of need, and even abandoned social norms, watching these characters orbit each other, moving closer and closer to a place that neither could have actually expected. We as readers were able to experience being a part of the romance and joy of two hearts beating together, and laughing along with this delicious and diametrically opposed couple. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 13, 2022
I loved this book. I had me literally laughing out loud in so many places. I was not familiar with this series but I plan to go back and read the earlier books. This one is about Murphy and Hudson, enemies till they are not. Murphy secretly likes Hudson, but Hudson sees Murphy as an irritating pest. Soon however life has them becoming roommates and the fine line between love and hates becomes so apparent. Excellent dialogue and bantering between two men with awesome chemistry, who just do not know they are made for one another just yet, but do finally see it. I love how I was reminder a simple "kiss" can change everything--how we see ourselves and how we see others. It might even open up doors to being our true self like it did in this book for one of the characters. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
October 15, 2022
I was waiting on this book to see what would happen between Murphy & Hudson, due to the snippets in other books. Truthfully it was a bit hard for me at the start of the book - they are very very very antagonistic towards each other and some of the reactions were hateful & spiteful. This was difficult to read through, especially Hudson’s breakdown – that was heartwrenching. And Murphy kept pushing….. it was one step too far in my mind but I kept reading because I really do love this series and I’m glad I did. The tone changed between them as we got to see the how’s and why’s they do the things they do. There’s the usual fun & shenanigans with everyone else with the helpful advise (hehehe) …. Plenty of ups’n’downs and heartfelt declarations …… and as Hudson realizes – ‘tis a blessing when Lucky came into their lives, truly.
October 16, 2022
Murphy & Hudson = Awesome!
Curious Relations, is the long awaited (because I was too impatient) story on Murphy & Hudson. (Brothers to Lucky & Hayes from book 1). The MC’s were contentious and you could just see it as soon as they met that their eventual story would be extra special, and Raquel Riley did not disappoint. The push & pull was amazing!
Bi-Awakening. Age gap. Enemies-ish to lovers, Found family, frenemy with benefits, polar opposites & steamy! One of the MC’s is an escort (he is in college).
We also get to catch up with the MC’s from the earlier books and witness the nuptials of Lucky & Hayes in the epilogue. And I will admit I shed a tear or two along with Hayes. A touching but sweet moment! Reid & Riley had their moment too. I so appreciate that we got a glimpse of it.
Yes definitely an awesome read!
Curious Relations, is the long awaited (because I was too impatient) story on Murphy & Hudson. (Brothers to Lucky & Hayes from book 1). The MC’s were contentious and you could just see it as soon as they met that their eventual story would be extra special, and Raquel Riley did not disappoint. The push & pull was amazing!
Bi-Awakening. Age gap. Enemies-ish to lovers, Found family, frenemy with benefits, polar opposites & steamy! One of the MC’s is an escort (he is in college).
We also get to catch up with the MC’s from the earlier books and witness the nuptials of Lucky & Hayes in the epilogue. And I will admit I shed a tear or two along with Hayes. A touching but sweet moment! Reid & Riley had their moment too. I so appreciate that we got a glimpse of it.
Yes definitely an awesome read!
October 26, 2022
This is the first of the Hearts for Hire series that I've read. So I didn't have the benefit of knowing Hudson from earlier books. And truth be told, I disliked him. Immensely. For the first half of the book. In the second, it was as if he did a 180 degree attitude adjustment.
Now Murphy was easier to like. His snark. And the ways he disrupted Hudson's dates? Priceless. When the two got together, it was truly sweet. I did worry that Hudson's jealousy would make things much more difficult. And Murphy certainly needed an award (or a hug) for dealing with the truly awful words that came out of Hudson's mouth.
I don't usually read about escorts, rent boys or cam boys. Probably from having some of the same prejudices as expressed by Hudson. But this was a very engaging story. The supporting cast, I loved Aunt Sophy, was wonderful. Will have to give the earlier stories a go.
Now Murphy was easier to like. His snark. And the ways he disrupted Hudson's dates? Priceless. When the two got together, it was truly sweet. I did worry that Hudson's jealousy would make things much more difficult. And Murphy certainly needed an award (or a hug) for dealing with the truly awful words that came out of Hudson's mouth.
I don't usually read about escorts, rent boys or cam boys. Probably from having some of the same prejudices as expressed by Hudson. But this was a very engaging story. The supporting cast, I loved Aunt Sophy, was wonderful. Will have to give the earlier stories a go.
October 13, 2022
In this next book of the series, finally Hudson and Murphy get together. Murphy is a student and gay escort with a long time crush on straight Hudson, his future brother in law. They have a long history of snarking on each other and finally cave in to the sexual tension. This was a hot book with lots of frustration built up fast. I enjoyed their give and take dialogue and sexy times as they got caught by all their friends. There was a quirky writing style change in chapter 23 I felt distracted but still loved the content and book. I especially loved the ending from many points of view! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
October 13, 2022
Hudson and Murphy’s frenemies with benefits chemistry puts the fun in dysfunctional— these guys have chemistry for days and a special way of getting on each other’s nerves as a thinly veiled indicator of just how well they focus on each other even before they start thinking about feelings. There’s little angst, lots of sparks, some sweetness, some heat, and overall a really enjoyable story with likable characters, an age gap, and a bi awakening. This is part of the Hearts for Hire series, and while the romance can stand alone, readers of previous books will see some familiar faces.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 15, 2022
We have been waiting patiently for Murphy's book and we finally get it and I loved it. We met both characters in previous books. Murphy is Lucky's brother and Hudson is Hayes's brother and Lucky's fiance. Murphy has had a major crush on Hudson since he was 18. A few years down the road and Murphy decides to up his game and go after Hudson. These two have awesome banter between them and awesome chemistry. When Hudson finally sees Murphy in a new light, he decides to give him a chance. I think they made a perfect couple. I am excited and dreading the last book. I have grown to love all these characters.
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